Moist Gingerbread Poke Cake Recipe made with spice cake mix, molasses, buttermilk, condensed milk, Cool Whip, caramel, and gingersnaps.

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

You ever have a recipe sneak its way into your holiday traditions without you even planning it? That’s exactly what happened with this Gingerbread Poke Cake Recipe. The first time I made it, I was kind of in a pinch. I had promised to bring dessert to a Christmas potluck, but my week was insane, and by the time I got to the store, half the shelves were picked clean (ah, December grocery shopping). I grabbed a spice cake mix, some molasses, and figured, “Well… let’s just wing it.”

I’d heard of poke cakes before—who hasn’t?—but I’d never actually made one. My mom thought I was nuts poking holes into a perfectly good cake. But when I poured that sweetened condensed milk over the top and saw it sink in, I knew I was onto something. And let me tell you, when we served it that night, people went quiet. You know it’s good when the room stops talking for a second. My cousin, who usually piles his plate with ham and avoids desserts, asked for a second slice. Even my aunt, who’s the self-proclaimed keeper of all Christmas recipes, leaned in and whispered, “Okay, you have to give me that recipe.” That’s when I knew this Gingerbread Poke Cake had earned its spot on the holiday table.

Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside:

Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Poke Cake Recipe?

Here’s the thing: it’s not fussy. There’s no “folding in the egg whites just so” or pulling out fancy equipment. It’s cake mix, molasses, and a few simple ingredients that come together into something ridiculously special. The condensed milk soaks into the cake like magic, making it super moist without being soggy. The Cool Whip topping keeps it light, the crushed gingersnaps add crunch, and the caramel? Oh, that’s just the cherry on top (or, well, the drizzle).

What I love most? It’s one of those desserts that looks like you went the extra mile, but really, you didn’t. And honestly, during the holidays, who has time for complicated? Not me, and probably not you either.

Ingredient Notes:

Let’s talk about what makes this cake a star.

Spice Cake Mix – Shortcut alert! I’m not ashamed of using cake mix. It works, it’s reliable, and when you doctor it up, no one’s the wiser.
Molasses – Brings that deep, old-fashioned gingerbread flavor. Don’t skip it—it’s the soul of this cake.
Buttermilk – Keeps the crumb soft. And if you don’t have any? Splash of vinegar in milk. Works every time.
Sweetened Condensed Milk – The “poke” part. It seeps into every little hole and makes the cake insanely moist.
Cool Whip – Controversial to some, I know. But for me, Cool Whip screams nostalgia. It’s fluffy and easy. Homemade whipped cream works too.
Gingersnaps – Crush ‘em up and sprinkle away. They add crunch, spice, and a little rustic charm.
Caramel Sauce – Optional, but honestly, it turns a slice into something you’ll want to eat standing at the fridge at midnight.

How To Make Gingerbread Poke Cake?

Alright, here’s how this Gingerbread Poke Cake Recipe comes together. Spoiler: it’s easier than wrapping a present without running out of tape.

Make the batter. Mix up the spice cake mix, molasses, buttermilk, eggs, and oil in a big bowl. It should already smell like Christmas at this point.
Bake it. Pour into a greased 7×11 pan and bake for about 30 minutes. Toothpick comes out clean? You’re good. Now the hard part: let it cool completely. (I’m terrible at waiting, but it’s worth it.)
Poke and pour. Grab the end of a wooden spoon or even a straw. Poke holes all over that cake. Don’t be shy. Then pour the condensed milk over the top and watch it sink in. Magical.
Chill out. Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can stand the suspense.
Top it. Spread Cool Whip across the top, sprinkle crushed gingersnaps, and stick it back in the fridge for another couple hours.
Finish strong. Right before serving, drizzle caramel over the top and add a whole gingersnap if you want to show off a little.

Want To Save This Recipe?

Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox.

Storage Options:

Here’s the beauty of this Gingerbread Poke Cake: it actually gets better after a day in the fridge. The flavors hang out, blend together, and by day two it’s even more delicious. You can store it in the fridge, covered, for up to 4 days. If you’re thinking long-term, slice and freeze portions for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before you serve.

Variations and Substitutions:

One thing I’ve learned? People love to put their own spin on recipes. This one’s no different:

Skip the cake mix – Want to go full homemade? Use your own gingerbread cake recipe instead of a box.
Change the topping – Cream cheese frosting, bourbon glaze, or even plain whipped cream. Each gives a slightly different vibe.
Add some crunch – Pecans or walnuts sprinkled over the Cool Whip layer? Yes, please.
Switch up the sauce – Not feeling caramel? Try chocolate or even maple syrup for a twist.

What to Serve with Gingerbread Poke Cake?

This cake is cozy enough to stand alone, but if you’re serving it at a party or just want to go all out:

Coffee – A strong cup of coffee + gingerbread cake = winter perfection.
Spiced Tea – Chai or cinnamon tea works like a charm.
Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla melting into the cake? Don’t even get me started.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yep. In fact, it’s better when it sits in the fridge overnight. The flavors deepen, the cake soaks up all that goodness—it’s worth the wait.

Does the condensed milk make it soggy?
Nope! Think of it like tres leches cake. Moist, yes. Mushy, no. Big difference.

Do I have to use Cool Whip?
Not at all. I love it because it’s nostalgic and easy, but real whipped cream works too. Just make sure to stabilize it so it doesn’t collapse on you.

And that’s the Gingerbread Poke Cake Recipe—my holiday shortcut turned family tradition. It’s messy, sweet, and a little over the top, which honestly sounds a lot like the holidays themselves. So, tell me—are you team caramel drizzle, team extra gingersnap crunch, or both?

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

Delicious Mexican Picadillo Recipe

Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie